Zoe Hewitt

Zoe Hewitt, graduated in 2001 with BSc (Joint Hons) in Biology and Geography

Zoe said: "I was part of the first and only group of graduates for this course. I chose it because I liked the idea of being in a laboratory and I really wanted to help people.

I was captivated by stem cells and my passion and career snowballed from there. I wanted to be involved with stem cell developments that could help people with diseases like Parkinson's and macular degeneration.

Inspired, Zoe applied for a job at Roslyn and got it

The academics at Derby were inspirational; Dr Paul Lynch emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities. So after I had seen an advert in a science magazine for a post at Roslyn Bio Centre, Edinburgh, I applied, got the job and was even lucky enough to meet Dolly the Sheep!

When I went to the interview the receptionist told her, "they only take the best in the world at Roslyn you know", from that point I never thought I would get the job.

So I went in to the interview room so relaxed and thankful for the experience of the day. You can imagine how delighted I was when they offered me a contract!

The best tip I could give to students: when you go to interviews simply relax and be yourself

My passion for stem cell biology has led me through various jobs and contracts and I have thoroughly enjoyed my career so far.

I currently work as the Quality Manager for the Stem Cell Biology Unit at the University of Sheffield."